As dedicated fantasy enthusiasts know, the quest for league dominance is a year-round journey. Uncovering hidden gems, or “sleepers,” who outperform their draft position can be the difference between being a contender and a champion. Finding sleepers is an art that requires you to stay ahead of the trends, anticipate changes and seek value where others may not. This becomes even more critical in dynasty leagues, where longevity and future performance are crucial considerations, and your fellow managers are likely more knowledgeable than the average redraft fantasy manager.
That brings us to deep sleepers. We asked our featured dynasty experts to break down some of their favorite deep sleeper running backs and wide receivers. Their responses are below.
Remember that the key to success in fantasy football is not just recognizing talent but also about understanding the changing dynamics of the NFL. Stay tuned to our expert analysis for the best chance to dominate your dynasty league this season. And be sure to check out our 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit for a comprehensive resource ahead of the 2024 season.
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Deep RB & WR Sleepers to Target in Dynasty Fantasy Football Leagues
Which RB outside of the top 250 in our Dynasty Consensus Superflex Rankings are you targeting either in startup dynasty drafts or via trade and why?
Evan Hull (RB – IND )
“Evan Hull (RB74) played only eight snaps as a rookie because of a torn MCL. However, he has a chance to be Jonathan Taylor‘s backup after Zack Moss left in free agency. Hull had an outstanding college career, averaging five yards per rushing attempt, 3.36 yards after contact per attempt, and a 23.6% missed tackled forced rate at Northwestern (per PFF). Furthermore, he is a capable weapon in the passing game, totaling over 540 receiving yards in his final college season. Taylor has missed 38.2% of the games the past two years, opening a potential lead role for Hull if he can earn the No. 2 running back role.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Evan Hull. A torn MCL wiped out his rookie season after only eight snaps, and Hull now dwells at the periphery of dynasty managers’ consciousness. Jonathan Taylor is going to be the Colts’ unquestioned workhorse, but Taylor isn’t a true three-down back — he didn’t play on obvious passing downs even when he was averaging 20+ carries a game as a college star at Wisconsin. Hull is a skilled pass catcher who had 55 catches for 546 yards in his final college season at Northwestern, where he was one of the few functional components of a putrid offense. Hull is also a terrific athlete who clocked a 4.47 at the 2023 combine and posted a Relative Athletic Score of 9.22 on a 10-point scale. The path to dynasty value for Hull is to become the Colts’ third-down back this year and assert himself as the primary backup to Taylor, making Hull a compelling handcuff RB.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB – KC )
“Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ECR 254) is someone I’ve been acquiring throughout the offseason. He was undoubtedly a bust and most fantasy managers have a terrible taste in their mouths about him. That being said, he’s only one injury away from fantasy relevance, which makes him worth rostering for me. Even if he never starts, I’d rather spend my deeper bench spots on running backs than any other position.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Rasheen Ali (RB – BAL )
“The Ravens look set for the near future at running back with Derrick Henry as their major addition in free agency, but longer term there are very few running backs of quality on the roster. Keaton Mitchell flashed in a minute sample size last year but his late-season ACL injury opens the door for Rasheen Ali who boasts speed and receiving ability as well as having rushed for over 1100 yards in two of his last three seasons in college. At this cost, and in this offense, it’s worth the flier.”
– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
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Which WR outside of the top 250 in our Dynasty Consensus Superflex Rankings are you targeting either in startup dynasty drafts or via trade and why?
Greg Dortch (WR – ARI )
“Greg Dortch (WR111) might be an afterthought in the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver core because of Marvin Harrison Jr. However, the veteran has been productive when given an opportunity. He averaged 11 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the four contests with more than four targets last season. Furthermore, Dortch averaged 10.6 fantasy points per game in the eight contests he played at least 50% of the snaps in 2022, with Rondale Moore missing half the year. Don’t be surprised if he has Tyler Boyd-like low-end WR3 value this upcoming season.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“I’m fine taking a flyer on Greg Dortch (ECR 261) on deeper teams. The Cardinals will look very different from last year when Dortch broke out. Perhaps he did enough to warrant a deeper look with incoming rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. and fellow returning vet Michael Wilson. Dortch is basically free but could have plenty of flex appeal for fantasy managers this year.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Josh Reynolds (WR – DEN )
“Over the last two seasons combined, Reynolds has had eight top-30 weekly finishes. Denver is lacking in proven pass-catchers outside of Courtland Sutton, who is by no means a lock to be wearing orange in September, despite the Broncos having traded Jerry Juedy already. Sean Payton consistently shows loyalty to players he’s signed or brought with him and it’s hard not to imagine Reynolds having some usable weeks in 2024. At this price, Reynolds can be mixed in as an end-of-roster play to give your wide receiver room depth. ”
– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
Bo Melton (WR – GB )
“Care to guess which Green Bay wide receiver produced the Packers’ first 100-yard game of the 2023 season? It was Bo Melton, who had six catches for 105 yards and a TD against the Vikings in Week 17. Melton quietly had 15 catches for 211 yards over the Packers’ final three regular-season games and had a TD catch against the 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs. He averaged 2.68 yards per route run last season — a sterling number. Melton managed to make a strong late-season impression even though the Packers have an abundance of talented young receivers, likely sewing up a roster spot for 2024. Melton has 4.34 speed, and he’s reportedly impressed the Packers’ brass with a tireless work ethic. Although the target competition is fierce in Green Bay, I’ve been trying to acquire Melton, hoping that what he flashed late last season eventually translates into a prominent role somewhere.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
For more dynasty trade advice, check out our Dynasty Trade Value Chart
Dynasty Draft Advice
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